Two-time Oscar-winner Denzel Washington was honoured in Los Angeles on Thursday night (June 6) when he was presented with the American Film Institute (AFI) Life Achievement Award, the film body's top honor.

Washington arrived for the glitzy ceremony at the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard accompanied by his wife Pauletta and two of their children.

Reflecting on his long career, the Hollywood veteran told reporters what he was most proud of.

"I can't say one thing.

You know, the career is what I am most proud of.

The arc of it, the longevity, the fact that I still have a desire to do it," said Washington.

Director Spike Lee, who has worked with Washington four times, was set to present the Oscar-winner with his lifetime achievement award at the ceremony.

Lee, who directed Washington in his Oscar-nominated turn as "Malcolm X," was full of praise for Washington.

The 64-year-old Washington has been nominated for a total of nine Oscars and has won two, a best supporting actor Oscar in 1989 for "Glory" and the best actor Oscar for 2001's "Training Day." (Production: Krystian Orlinski, Marissa Davison)